Written on : 28 September 2020 By : Melchior Burin des Roziers
The best moments of vacations are also those precious moments of relaxation spent together at aperitif time. That's why we propose you here 4 good addresses to take the aperitif on the Ile de Ré, with family or friends, on your way back from the beach and before dinner. Good atmosphere, good small bottles and good small gourmet dishes. Nothing better to share unforgettable memories!
It is a real restaurant, founded at the end of the 19th century and which serves more than 60,000 diners every summer. The Café du commerce d'Ars-en-Ré has long been frequented by artists, painters and political figures, especially because it offers a beautiful view of the port and the marshes but also for its singular atmosphere. In 1900, the Circle, a small group of anarchists had taken up residence there, around Elysée Reclus and William Barbotin. In 1962, the comedian Alfred Adam bought the place and then changed owners before finally Pierre and Toni Ollivier came back from the United States to take possession of the place. The interior is original and very richly decorated with marine objects mixed with a great mix of decorative elements (paintings, photos, travel souvenirs, models, sports awards, etc.) that spread from floor to ceiling.
If the weather is fine, sit quietly on the large terrace where you will be served good Gillardeau oysters, well-cooked whelks and prawn fritters, all accompanied by a good local Charentais wine. Maybe you prefer some peanuts and olives, a small plate of shrimps and winkles with a good little pineau des Charentes? Relax and admire all the boats coming in and out of the basin.
RDV at 6, Route de la Prée, 17590 Ars-en-Ré.
Open from 9h30 to 11h00.
Reservation recommended, especially for meals: 05 46 29 41 57.
Still an old sign on the Saint-Martin-de-Ré side. In 1906, Marcel and Madeleine Cochard bought the Café des Colonnes. At the time, the port was not as touristy as it is today and on the docks were a multitude of warehouses all related to port activity. We are in 1938. After finally succeeding in buying both the Hotel de France and the neighbouring warehouse, the couple left their son Jean-Lou and daughter-in-law Danièle a hotel complex from which a proud reputation was born in the Retais country.
At the turn of the 21st century, a third generation of Cochard's family maintains the premises, thanks to their two daughters Sophie and Caroline. The reputation of Les Colonnes is as solid as ever and the place has managed to preserve its authenticity. On the terrace, in front of the port, meet up with friends and taste the good pineau of the Ile de Ré, the famous ti-punch, the homemade sangria or the real rum of the West Indies.
Meet at 19 quai Job Foran 17410 Saint-Martin-de-Ré
Open from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm
Tel: 05 46 09 21 58.
>>> Taste trip to Ile de Ré
The rowboat at Rivedoux-Plage
This bistro has been a must on the port of Rivedoux-Plage for nearly 40 years. Make an atypical and friendly stopover at La Chaloupe, in the Platin hold, for a warm aperitif with a breathtaking view of the bay. The owner, Alain Trouilon, who founded La Chaloupe in 1974 with his wife Marie, said that his grandfather owned a stable at the entrance of the port of Rivedoux and said of this place: "it is the ideal place to sell oysters and white wine to Parisians". It is done, for the greatest happiness of the customers, whether they are retais or tourists! The atmosphere is lively, and the evenings are often punctuated by concerts. The place is famous for its good atmosphere. Today, the new owners offer good authentic dishes from the island, according to the market. Besides the seafood, for your small hunger out of hours, we offer you cheese and cold cuts. You can taste all these good things on the terrace open to the sea or in the beautiful panoramic room upstairs. The view on the very long bridge of the Ile de Ré is breathtaking!
RDV at 104 avenue Albert Sarrault 17940 Rivedoux-Plage
Open from 8:30 am to 2:00 am, closed on Wednesday evenings and all Thursdays.
Phone : 05 46 09 87 84
Another setting, another atmosphere: La Part des Anges in La Couarde-sur-Mer is a small wine bar in the pedestrian street, where you would be very happy to settle down when you come back from the beach, the time of a small aperitif around a good bottle. Sit on rustic furniture on the terrace, inside or in the courtyard and choose from a wide choice of wines (200 references and almost all wine regions are represented). Of course, you can leave with your bottle under your arm, but it is also very pleasant to taste it on the spot with small assortments of local products. For example, opt for a good beef carpaccio, a salad with olive oil and a mixed platter of cheese and cold cuts. As we are on the Ile de Ré, you can also enjoy some good seafood such as fresh oysters, in a chic (without being snobbish) and friendly atmosphere.
RDV at 42 Grand Rue 17670 La Couarde-sur-Mer
Open from April 1 to September 29, October 19 to November 3, December 21 to January 5. Closed on Wednesdays out of season.
Phone : 05 46 29 83 62
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